The role of the transcription factor Runx2 during mammary gland development and lactation. This proposal will further our understanding of mammary gland development and lactation and the mechanisms controlling mammary cell fate decisions such as differentiation. Regulation of cell fate lies at the core of most aspects of cell biology from normal development to dysfunction such as cancer. The knowledge gleamed from this project also has the potential to make economic gains for Australia by increa ....The role of the transcription factor Runx2 during mammary gland development and lactation. This proposal will further our understanding of mammary gland development and lactation and the mechanisms controlling mammary cell fate decisions such as differentiation. Regulation of cell fate lies at the core of most aspects of cell biology from normal development to dysfunction such as cancer. The knowledge gleamed from this project also has the potential to make economic gains for Australia by increasing the profitability and ensuring the sustainability of both the dairy and meat industries. Better understanding of the mechanisms controlling mammary epithelial cell differentiation should enable augmentation of lactation such as increasing milk protein content, using marker assisted selection (of targets such as Runx2) in cattle.Read moreRead less